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Wow, this Installing iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428 Dual Drive Kit guide looks Daunting.
I am wondering if there is a simpler solution:
I have 2x Micron 512GB SSDs, I want to replace the OEM HDD. I have a dual SSD caddy on order and want to know if there is a device that would allow me to attach two SATA III SSDs to one SATA III cable in some sort of “RAID” configuration.
Thanks,
Matt
Is this a good question?
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Sorry you can’t mux a SATA cable. Each device needs its own cable connection to the logic board.
It’s not as bad as it looks ;-} Somehow you need to sneak the cables to the ports which are on the backside of the logic board.
Also keep in mind the optical drives SATA connection is only SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) so stealing it won’t help you.
I’m not sure I follow were you are planning on using the dual drive carrier, there’s no room for it. All you’ll do is damage the screen when you try to put the system back together.
And lastly as you are replacing the HD drive you’ll need this part: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2011 Hard Drive Upgrade to replace the systems access to the HD’s thermal sensor which is part of the HD. Otherwise the system will go into fail safe running the fans at full tilt.
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Dan, Thank your the awesome answer.
This is the carrier I have on order, it fits a normal 3.5" drive space and allows two 2.5" 7mm thick drives: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B016...
I would also need these:
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Micro%20...
doe it matter if the cable is left or right handed on the angle connection? The Ifixit SATA cable seems to be a right handed key on the angle connection.
The height of the carrier maybe to high and hit the display. Before you pull the HD take a straight edge across the fram and measure the highest point of the drive assembly. Then do it again with the dual drive carrier. As long as its equal or lower you'll be OK, Otherwise you'll squeeze the backside of the display damaging it when you put it back on.
The angle of the SATA data cable is with the idea of it being mounted on the back of the case. As you've altering the mount point you'll need to see which way it will fit.
You'll still need to get the IFIXIT kit parts (unless you can find the correct power cable from OWC): iMac Intel 21.5" (Mid 2011) Dual Hard Drive Kit as the spare power connection on the logic board is different from the HD power cable uses. Review Steps 39 & 40 in the guide to see what I mean.
Dan, a normal 3.5" HDD is 25.5mm tall. The Corsair Dual SSD mounting bracket is 24.4mm tall. A 7mm thick SSD sits flush with the top of the carrier.
This configuration should work
I would still take the measures to be sure: "Measure twice cut once"
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